[synth3tk]

2 & 1: "When I was young, my father had taken me to the local university to watch an event that weekend. I didn't know what was going on, who these people were, and what they were doing here. Whether I knew if watching this event would plant a seed of interest in FIRST, I don't know. After about ten minutes, I was fascinated with the concept of designing and building a robot to 'play' with.

Joining FIRST robotics was the best decision I've made in my life. Getting to know others who are interested in the same thing, learning about concepts and designs, figuring out how to edit videos, all of these are just a few benefits of working with a team of passionate students. It was here that I learned the joys of insomnia, to truly appreciate Pepsi and donuts, that I love to learn. To build a working machine within six weeks taught me to accept and work within deadlines, which helps because I've never been that punctual in my life!

Attending a regional event is comparable to a pep rally or an OSU-MSU game. Excitement is in the air, the spirit of Gracious Professionalism throughout the pit areas, music and noise combined with the plethora of colors from team uniforms just makes for an experience one can never forget. And when the robot action stops, there's always line dancing to 'Cotton Eyed Joe' and mascots running around everywhere. Conga lines and the chicken dance. Technology is everywhere, yet the human factor is what makes an event special.

FIRST is the glue between learning and socializing, and I don't regret joining, not one bit."